Colorado communities are increasingly exploring water-wise landscaping approaches that reflect our long-term water needs
Colorado Senate Bill 24-005: Water-Wise Landscaping
Colorado recently adopted Senate Bill 24-005, a statewide policy aimed at reducing outdoor water use by changing landscaping practices. The law focuses primarily on limiting the installation of non-functional turf in certain types of development.
The policy reflects growing concerns about long-term water supply in the western United States and encourages landscaping practices that are better suited to Colorado’s climate.
This page provides a simple overview of what the law does and what it may mean for communities like Timnath.
What the Law Does
Beginning January 1, 2026, local governments must prohibit the installation of certain landscaping elements as part of new development or major redevelopment projects.
These include:
Nonfunctional turf (grass that is not used for recreation or gathering)
Artificial turf in certain non-recreational areas
Certain invasive plant species
The goal is to encourage landscaping that uses less water while still supporting parks, recreation, and community spaces.
What Is Still Allowed
The law does not eliminate turf grass entirely.
Grass may still be installed where it serves a clear recreational or civic purpose. The bill refers to this as “functional turf.”
Examples include:
Parks and playgrounds
Sports fields
Community gathering spaces
Picnic areas
Golf courses
Artificial turf is also still allowed on athletic fields.
Residential Properties and Existing Landscaping
One important clarification is that individual residential properties are not included in the law’s definition of “applicable property.”
This means:
Homeowners may continue landscaping their yards normally
The law does not regulate residential lawns
The law does not require the removal of existing turf or landscaping. Landscaping that was installed before the law takes effect may continue to be maintained.
The restrictions only apply to new development projects or major redevelopment projects moving forward.
What This Means for Timnath
Because this is a state law, municipalities across Colorado must update their development regulations to comply with it before January 1, 2026.
For Timnath, this primarily affects landscaping requirements for:
Future commercial development
HOA common areas
Medians and streetscape design
Large redevelopment projects
Why This Policy Was Adopted
Colorado lawmakers noted that water supplies across the western United States are under increasing pressure due to population growth and climate change.
Many areas currently use large amounts of water to maintain turf that serves little functional purpose. The policy encourages water-wise landscaping approaches that maintain community aesthetics while reducing water demand
My Perspective
Water is one of Colorado’s most important long-term resources. As our state continues to grow and water becomes more scarce, communities across Colorado are being asked to think more carefully about how water is used.
Much of the conversation around Senate Bill 24-005 focuses on reducing the use of non-functional turf, grass that requires significant irrigation, but serves little recreational purpose. Encouraging water-wise landscaping in appropriate areas can be a practical way to reduce water demand while still maintaining parks, recreational spaces, and the character of our communities.
At the same time, it is important that policies like this are implemented thoughtfully at the local level. Each community has different development patterns, landscaping standards, and long-term planning priorities.
For Timnath, the goal should be to balance responsible water stewardship with maintaining the quality of life that residents expect, including attractive neighborhoods, usable parks, and well-designed public spaces.
As the Town updates its development standards to comply with state law, community input and careful planning will help ensure we implement these requirements in a way that works well for Timnath. I will continue to support thoughtful planning that protects our water resources while ensuring Timnath remains a vibrant and welcoming community.
If you’d like to share your perspective or ask questions, you’re welcome to reach out directly through this website. Thoughtful input helps maintain Timnath’s quality of life.